Jonathan Cruz-Palatka
Sugar Land
Summary
I am a PHR-certified talent and people operations professional with a strong foundation in HR practices, full-cycle recruiting, and enhancing employee experiences. Combining the mindset of a Head Coach with the discipline of an HR practitioner allows me to foster authenticity, dedication, and genuine care in each of my interactions. Expertise in sourcing, evaluating, and onboarding diverse talent ensures compliance and transparency while promoting fairness throughout the hiring process. Recognized for cultivating inclusive environments and driving clarity in fast‑paced settings. Known for applying strategic thinking to the talent ecosystem and introducing innovative processes that strengthen high‑performance cultures where individuals and teams thrive.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Recruiter I
Nike
Remote
09.2025 - Current
- Directed recruitment efforts for over 30 Nike store teams, ensuring timely fulfillment of staffing requests across 5 districts for both exempt and non-exempt positions.
- Achieved successful full-cycle recruitment outcomes by managing job postings, sourcing top talent, conducting detailed background checks, and streamlining onboarding processes. Delivered offers for diverse positions, from Specialist to Head Coach (Store Manager), while cultivating stakeholder collaboration to enhance the recruiting experience for each requisition.
- Monitored and addressed ServiceNow tickets, prioritizing compliance with SLAs to provide effective assistance to store and hiring teams.
- Streamlined interview processes by effectively managing schedules and calendars. Achieved seamless coordination of up to 50 interviews at once. Fostered collaboration between talent solutions and HR leadership to improve hiring outcomes.
- Generate and analyze Workday reports to track hiring metrics, staffing trends, and program performance and provide insights to territory leadership.
- Support administrative and project-based work for the NAX (Nike Athlete Experience)/Firstline Programs, including process documentation and reporting deliverables.
- Oversaw the management of sensitive candidate and employee information with a strong commitment to integrity and confidentiality. Guided stores on the parameters of information sharing to enhance compliance and trust.
- Apply PHR-aligned knowledge of FLSA, compliance, and employee data confidentiality to support compliant hiring, screening, and onboarding practices.
- Formulated and applied creative sourcing methods to engage a diverse candidate pool, streamlining hiring processes for stores on the East Coast.
Assistant Head Coach (Assistant Store Manager)
Nike
Pasadena, TX
02.2024 - 09.2025
- Achieved payroll efficiency improvements by implementing strategic scheduling and labor analysis for a $26M store with 90 employees. Successfully aligned store operations with labor goals for three consecutive years through innovative labor management techniques.
- Oversaw performance management initiatives, focusing on goal setting, feedback, and annual reviews to align with employee relations and compliance standards. Guided my leadership team of 10 to deliver Performance Reviews for all employees.
- Supervised payroll and HR documentation processes to guarantee accuracy and timeliness for all staff members.
- Directed comprehensive hiring process, ensuring effective interviewing, selection, and onboarding, while mentoring my Team & Culture leader in executing the hiring strategy.
- Conduct store walkthrough with district leadership and additional store partners while highlighting KPIs, team development, and operational achievements during visits.
- Selected to assist as a stakeholder for open leadership roles at other stores in my District.
- Supervised product flow managers and partnered with four external logistics carriers to manage up to 500 cartons daily, avoiding excess storage costs and optimizing delivery timing.
Coach
Nike
Pasadena, TX
03.2021 - 02.2024
- Oversaw hiring and onboarding processes for full-time, part-time, and seasonal roles to achieve headcount objectives. Selected to facilitate recruitment for five additional store locations, demonstrating capability in managing hiring alongside other operational duties.
- Designed and executed 30-day new hire training programs and facilitated it through the Consumer Experience Specialists.
- Implemented strategies to promote a consumer-focused culture, utilizing coaching methods and insights gained from surveys and on-site observations of sales and leadership teams.
- Managed payroll audits, employee record maintenance, compensation updates, and benefits communication.
- Coordinated freight operations by managing daily multi-carrier deliveries. Supported operations team in executing seamless back-of-house processes. Collaborated with carriers to address delivery issues and fulfill additional requirements.
Assistant Store Manager
Adidas
Houston, TX
04.2016 - 03.2021
- Implemented RFID technology to achieve 98% inventory accuracy, supporting seamless fulfillment processes.
- Streamlined omni-channel fulfillment processes, handling up to 150 daily orders through BOPIS and ship-from-store methods to optimize operational efficiency.
- Selected by district manager to deliver operational support through training on RFID best practices in underperforming stores.
- Oversaw training and development initiatives for 30+ part-time associates and 7 full-time managers, focusing on 90-day plans and succession planning.
- Supervised all aspects of hiring and onboarding, focusing on leadership roles and supporting organizational growth.
- Managed visual merchandising team in executing quarterly floor sets and marketing directives, maintaining alignment with brand vision and timely delivery of projects.
- Partnered with buyers and allocators to streamline inventory management, guaranteeing appropriate product selection and timely delivery to store.
Education
High School Diploma -
Ironwood High School
Glendale, AZ05.2009
Skills
- HR operations management advanced proficiency
- Employment Law Fundamentals (FLSA, ADA, EEO) advanced proficiency
- Candidate screening expert proficiency
- Recruiting and sourcing expert proficiency
- Team leadership and collaboration expert proficiency
- Workforce Management advanced proficiency
- Workday advanced proficiency
- Dayforce advanced proficiency
- ATS advanced proficiency
- Microsoft 365 expert proficiency
Certification
Professional in Human Resources (PHR) — HRCI | 2025
Timeline
Recruiter I
Nike
09.2025 - Current
Assistant Head Coach (Assistant Store Manager)
Nike
02.2024 - 09.2025
Coach
Nike
03.2021 - 02.2024
Assistant Store Manager
Adidas
04.2016 - 03.2021
High School Diploma -
Ironwood High School